There must be too many engineers with time on their hands out there in Silicon Valley. At least once a month, they must have a meeting to decide how to change the pages that access either the Internet or my email. Or they restructure the email pages themselves. Oh what fun--I mean beside getting to play ping pong, dressing as shabbily as me, and eating peanut m and m's all day. The height of hilarity--kicking a few to the curb would not hurt.
Many many ends and odds. Here goes:
--From the Globe: "Man accused of driving drunk on mower". Well of course, we wouldn't want him driving his car while drunk. And besides, he was just going to the corner to buy more beer. Makes sense to me and obviously it was worthy of the Globe.
--From the Globe: "Quake devastates Filipino churches". Clearly pandering to the majority of its readers, this headline actually skips over the fact that lots of folks died in the earthquake which was not limited to houses of worships of any sort.
--On a sweatshirt: "JMU/LAX". Now I know what that stands for--do any of you? James Madison University Lacrosse. Rip it off, dude. No one knows about your school let alone the lacrosse team. If the "M" turned into an "H", we could then bow down to the gods of Johns Hopkins Lacrosse--usually the best college team. But this dumb bunny and his sweatshirt shold be in the gutter along with the Google engineers.
--Boehner (he who has a perpetual tan) and Cantor (he who is a member of my tribe) have both shut up for awhile ever since they could not corral their own wacky conservative House colleagues. But, trust me, they will rear their ugly heads again. Speaking of those wild and crazy Republicans, they are now blocking Obama nominees. They just hate him, don't they? And it is that barely intelligible Lindsey Graham with his wicked drawl leading this charge.
--Some terrific articles: A piece in the New Yorker by Jon Lee Anderson who is a favorite of mine. About a mystery writer from Havana but really about culture and the arts in Cuba and how the artists have to anticipate what the regime will tolerate. An article about the Grambling fiasco by George Dohrmann in Sports Illustrated about its football team but really about athletics at the Historically Black Universities and how they have been impacted both by budget cuts and the recruitment of the best African American athletes to the really big, formerly all white, southern universities. Last, a book by Jonathan Alter about how Obama won the election. Two points about this--first Alter argues the race was over by Labor Day and, second, Valerie Jeffries is the power behind the throne in that White house.
--Saw Warren Buffet on TV the other day. If he is not one of the finest men in America, then I am not sure who is unless it is me.
--I have no words to describe the computer glitches related to Obamacare. Just on the cusp of having the whole thing culturally accepted and then this. Yikes what a fuck up.
--The female sculptor for the Bill Russell statue is barely 5 feet tall and had to stand on chairs and ladders to get to the top of his head. Cannot imagine how strong she is.
--Can't wait for open tolling. It means I will never have to get an EZ pass because they will bill me. Oh those google guys. Came full circle, huh.
NEWSFLASH: There are now 90 of you and I am shvitzing to break 100. Whoever gets me over the top gets a special prize.
SPORTS TALK
--I have two good things to say about the red flops. Ortiz is some fucking hitter. Kudos to the fans for not copying those in other cities waving hankies like fools. Sorry but John Lackey is still an asshole.
--Michigan can only win if they score 60 points a game because for some reason their defense sucks.
--Brady is hurt and this Patriot subterfuge about injuries is both boring and pathetic. But having the Gronkster back surely helps.
--One of my favorite jockeys is Rosie (the queen of Corona) Napravnik. She has a few mounts this weekend in the Breeders Cup which is great horse racing but I refuse to be on it. Too difficult and too many horses.
Sayonara and dont forget the contest.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
WHO'S ON FIRST?
Yeah, yeah I stole the title from Abbott and Costello. But if you remember that sketch, then you know it perfectly fits the current muck up in our nation's capital. Or, if you follow Jon Stewart, you can call it the 2013 "Shutstorm"--as opposed to shit storm which it really is but which he cannot utter on TV--but I have the luxury of using here. Because it is a SHIT STORM. I will give credit where credit is due--those Tea partiers in the House are true to their roots (I happen to detest the ground those roots are in)--they will not bend and it is ok if Obamacare is over turned and it is ok if we default. Even more mainstream conservatives (like Jeff Jacoby in today's Globe) cannot see any damage done by the shutdown. He must not need any of those experimental cancer treatments which have been put on hold.
Speaking of health care (what a transition, huh?)--we might as well just divide up this state into two hospital systems--Care Group and Partners. Every hospital and every health center. Life will be much easier. These "non profit" behemoths are just taking over anyhow. St. E's is only around because of its Catholic affiliation and BU Medical is around because of its commitment to the urban core of the city. But it would not surprise me if Tufts bit the dust one of these days. After dividing us up, they can go after some other states. Let me tell you that bigger is not always better even if we are told it will reduce their costs. But guess what--the Insurance companies (the same men and women who fought the Affordable Care Act) have finally figured out they love it because they have more customers and some of them are young and healthy and will stay with the companies for a long time. They are quite pissed that their House Republican buds want to gut it when it is making them money.
Janet Yellen will be the first woman to head the Fed (a rhyme to spice your day). We can partly thank my own Senator--Warren, that is--for kicking Larry Summers to the curb and advocating for Yellen. Five minutes after the announcement of her appointment, that bright light Richard Shelby, (Alabama's Senator) decided she might not have the skills for the job. He cannot even play in her sandbox--thats how stupid he is. But then again, he is from Alabama and they all know more than the rest of us.
Odds and Ends: That PBS documentary on the NFL and how it has handled concussions was both disturbing and excellent. ESPN pulled out of its sponsorship under (what may have been) pressure from the NFL. This is very scary and if anyone has a child playing Pop Warner football, I would pull him or her out right now.
Under undue and enormous pressure from 4 of the women in my family (and you all can count so you know who the culprits are) I broke down and got an I phone which I hate but caved in and got. The only upside so far was that I was able to follow the Patriots game this past weekend while on the train. I do make a point of talking on it while I cross the street oblivious to all cars.
Mildred and Yvette continue to hang in there and Oliver had a birthday--hoorays all around.
SPORTS TALK
I hate college coaches. They are pro wannabes who get in the faces of 18 year olds and treat them like shit. Some of their behavior is nearly abusive--yet we all idolize them and the $$$ they bring into their schools. The suck up commentators who kiss to the game are equally offensive.
If I am the Yanks there is no way I give Cano $300 million--and I love the guy. Let him go at that price. I hate those red flops but do admit they are more fun than those beer swiggers from last year.
And somehow, I think ARod is going to get a lighter "sentence" which is too bad--he should really be kicked down the dugout steps.
How to figure the Pats? They were pathetic against the Bengals and superlative against the Saints. Without Welker, Hernandez, and Gronkowski, they are 5-1. More injuries on top of more injuries. If I were me, I would worry about the Jets.
But hockey is back and boy do I love it.
Great fans in Houston cheering when Matt Schaub, who they hate, lay in pain on the field. Oh Texas--like Alabama--one of those football first states with just wondeful politicians as well.
Sayonara
Speaking of health care (what a transition, huh?)--we might as well just divide up this state into two hospital systems--Care Group and Partners. Every hospital and every health center. Life will be much easier. These "non profit" behemoths are just taking over anyhow. St. E's is only around because of its Catholic affiliation and BU Medical is around because of its commitment to the urban core of the city. But it would not surprise me if Tufts bit the dust one of these days. After dividing us up, they can go after some other states. Let me tell you that bigger is not always better even if we are told it will reduce their costs. But guess what--the Insurance companies (the same men and women who fought the Affordable Care Act) have finally figured out they love it because they have more customers and some of them are young and healthy and will stay with the companies for a long time. They are quite pissed that their House Republican buds want to gut it when it is making them money.
Janet Yellen will be the first woman to head the Fed (a rhyme to spice your day). We can partly thank my own Senator--Warren, that is--for kicking Larry Summers to the curb and advocating for Yellen. Five minutes after the announcement of her appointment, that bright light Richard Shelby, (Alabama's Senator) decided she might not have the skills for the job. He cannot even play in her sandbox--thats how stupid he is. But then again, he is from Alabama and they all know more than the rest of us.
Odds and Ends: That PBS documentary on the NFL and how it has handled concussions was both disturbing and excellent. ESPN pulled out of its sponsorship under (what may have been) pressure from the NFL. This is very scary and if anyone has a child playing Pop Warner football, I would pull him or her out right now.
Under undue and enormous pressure from 4 of the women in my family (and you all can count so you know who the culprits are) I broke down and got an I phone which I hate but caved in and got. The only upside so far was that I was able to follow the Patriots game this past weekend while on the train. I do make a point of talking on it while I cross the street oblivious to all cars.
Mildred and Yvette continue to hang in there and Oliver had a birthday--hoorays all around.
SPORTS TALK
I hate college coaches. They are pro wannabes who get in the faces of 18 year olds and treat them like shit. Some of their behavior is nearly abusive--yet we all idolize them and the $$$ they bring into their schools. The suck up commentators who kiss to the game are equally offensive.
If I am the Yanks there is no way I give Cano $300 million--and I love the guy. Let him go at that price. I hate those red flops but do admit they are more fun than those beer swiggers from last year.
And somehow, I think ARod is going to get a lighter "sentence" which is too bad--he should really be kicked down the dugout steps.
How to figure the Pats? They were pathetic against the Bengals and superlative against the Saints. Without Welker, Hernandez, and Gronkowski, they are 5-1. More injuries on top of more injuries. If I were me, I would worry about the Jets.
But hockey is back and boy do I love it.
Great fans in Houston cheering when Matt Schaub, who they hate, lay in pain on the field. Oh Texas--like Alabama--one of those football first states with just wondeful politicians as well.
Sayonara
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
MY BOYFRIENDS ARE BACK AND THEY ARE GONNA CAUSE TROUBLE--HEY LA LI LA
Those two boys are Eric (he who is a member of my tribe) Cantor and John (he who has a perpetual tan) Boehner. Basically they hate poor people--how else to explain leading the charge to reduce dollars for food stamps and Head Start plus attempting to overturn Obamacare. They keep saying the Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional--but did I miss something? Didn't those ultra progressives on the Supreme Court declare it valid? Look, they also hate the President and there is not a shred of doubt in my simple mind that the dots can be connected and this whole mess has more than an undercurrent of racism. Now they get to shut down the government holding Obamacare hostage to their rigidity.
Meanwhile, up here in the most Liberal state, we had a primary mayoral election with a bunch of candidates--felt like millions given how often the phone rang. Guess who the top two vote getters were--two white Irish guys. All the candidates of color (and there were a bunch) split that vote. I read or heard somewhere that Boston and Indianapolis are the only two Northern cities who have never had a mayor of color. And yet every day we slap ourselves on the back to congratulate ourselves on being a majority minority city. Means nada.
A word about Ted Cruz--I blame a close relative for his election but, being a great humanitarian, I let let bygones be bygones. He is a first generation American--the son of immigrants. But he is quick to point out his parents are from Cuba who we are supposed to despise. His parents are not people who crossed the Rio Grande. How can Wendy Davis win an election in that sorry mind numbing state. Maybe if she ran for Mayor(ess) of Austin.
Elizabeth Warren is turning out to be a terrific Senator so good that Scottie is leaving us for that Live Free or Die state just up the road--running scared because he knows he can never ever beat her. She stomped all over Larry Summers and his possible appointment to be Chief of the Fed. He continues to need reminders that he is a weasel and not a friend of women. She gave him another boot to the ass.
Nate Silver has moved to ESPN and is likely now a bazillionaire. He started as a sports statistician and is returning to his roots. Turns out he gets to keep his political survey blog which is great news though I am not sure I want to look at it just yet--maybe by next June and only if the boys continue to self destruct.
While not a Catholic, I have been struck by the words of this Pope guy. The Jesuits are a bit different--that was obvious to me ever since Father Drinan was in Congress. This Poppe seems to be trying at least to mend some fences--let's all hope he has a long papacy.
A terrific New Yorker cover--Assad and Bryan Cranston (from Breaking Bad) both mixing chemicals. Words do not do it justice. But the finale of Breaking Bad was perfect and not one of those neat, clear, typical tv finales. I did think, however, that the new season of Homeland began with somewhat of a dopey episode. By the way, Gatekeepers is a great documentary about the intelligence service of Israel and its leaders. Scary too.
After all the violence in Kenya, I get very worried about another close relative who will be travelling to Africa in a month or so--not Kenya but still.
Having Jess, Steffen, and the kids one town over is really special and I know how lucky Barbara and I are.
SPORTS TALK
Ok, Robinson Cano will not be the MVP. But the year he had on a team with a bunch of nobodies was spectacular. I cannot stand the humongous salaries these players get but how the Yankees cannot sign him is beyond me.
I am shocked that the Pats are 4-0 but am not one of those worried about the loss of Wilfork. They just need to find another fatty to put in there. That offense is only going to get better. I am thinking the Gronkster comes back against the Saints not the Bengals.
Sayonara and a shout out to Yvette who is fighting the good fight.
Meanwhile, up here in the most Liberal state, we had a primary mayoral election with a bunch of candidates--felt like millions given how often the phone rang. Guess who the top two vote getters were--two white Irish guys. All the candidates of color (and there were a bunch) split that vote. I read or heard somewhere that Boston and Indianapolis are the only two Northern cities who have never had a mayor of color. And yet every day we slap ourselves on the back to congratulate ourselves on being a majority minority city. Means nada.
A word about Ted Cruz--I blame a close relative for his election but, being a great humanitarian, I let let bygones be bygones. He is a first generation American--the son of immigrants. But he is quick to point out his parents are from Cuba who we are supposed to despise. His parents are not people who crossed the Rio Grande. How can Wendy Davis win an election in that sorry mind numbing state. Maybe if she ran for Mayor(ess) of Austin.
Elizabeth Warren is turning out to be a terrific Senator so good that Scottie is leaving us for that Live Free or Die state just up the road--running scared because he knows he can never ever beat her. She stomped all over Larry Summers and his possible appointment to be Chief of the Fed. He continues to need reminders that he is a weasel and not a friend of women. She gave him another boot to the ass.
Nate Silver has moved to ESPN and is likely now a bazillionaire. He started as a sports statistician and is returning to his roots. Turns out he gets to keep his political survey blog which is great news though I am not sure I want to look at it just yet--maybe by next June and only if the boys continue to self destruct.
While not a Catholic, I have been struck by the words of this Pope guy. The Jesuits are a bit different--that was obvious to me ever since Father Drinan was in Congress. This Poppe seems to be trying at least to mend some fences--let's all hope he has a long papacy.
A terrific New Yorker cover--Assad and Bryan Cranston (from Breaking Bad) both mixing chemicals. Words do not do it justice. But the finale of Breaking Bad was perfect and not one of those neat, clear, typical tv finales. I did think, however, that the new season of Homeland began with somewhat of a dopey episode. By the way, Gatekeepers is a great documentary about the intelligence service of Israel and its leaders. Scary too.
After all the violence in Kenya, I get very worried about another close relative who will be travelling to Africa in a month or so--not Kenya but still.
Having Jess, Steffen, and the kids one town over is really special and I know how lucky Barbara and I are.
SPORTS TALK
Ok, Robinson Cano will not be the MVP. But the year he had on a team with a bunch of nobodies was spectacular. I cannot stand the humongous salaries these players get but how the Yankees cannot sign him is beyond me.
I am shocked that the Pats are 4-0 but am not one of those worried about the loss of Wilfork. They just need to find another fatty to put in there. That offense is only going to get better. I am thinking the Gronkster comes back against the Saints not the Bengals.
Sayonara and a shout out to Yvette who is fighting the good fight.
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